Newcastle United are considering the possibility of a lawsuit against AC Milan over the recent illegal betting controversy involving Sandro Tonali, according to Corriere dello Sport (via TuttoMercatoWeb).
Tonali made a £55 million move to Newcastle from Milan in the summer transfer window but now faces the grim prospect of a 10-month suspension due to his involvement in the illegal betting saga.
There have also been discussions around alternative punishments, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
This unsavoury episode unfolded during his tenure at the Rossoneri. He reportedly placed bets on Milan games.
The midfielder’s fate seemed sealed with a plea deal and accompanying punishment imminent, but Newcastle have thrown a spanner in the works by threatening to pursue a lawsuit against Milan.
The Magpies are angry over the impending suspension of their new star signing for the remainder of the season.
Tonali’s wages will be frozen as soon as the suspension takes effect – a stark contrast to the response by Juventus in a similar case involving Nicolo Fagioli.
The Juventus man will continue to receive his pay and access training facilities.
Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo is also involved in the scandal, but there is no update regarding his situation.
This legal wrangling threatens to leave Tonali in a precarious position at a critical juncture in his career, with the formal decision on the plea deal expected to be reached today.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has publicly expressed his support for the embattled 23-year-old.
Howe made it clear that his top priority is standing with Tonali during this tumultuous period, demonstrating the lengths to which the club is willing to go to protect their investment.
